ATF3 stimulated promoter activity of EphA1 by 3.4-fold in ATF3-dependent angiogenesis in vitro. Although tyrosine kinase activation of EphA1 was dispensable, binding of EphA1 to fibronectin through its type I repeat played an essential role in the angiogenesis. Recombinant proteins containing fibronectin 10th to 12th type I repeat (I 10-12) but not I 12 could inhibit the angiogenesis in vitro by competitively targeting EphA1 with the full-length fibronectin. However, I 12 acquired a higher affinity toward EphA2 with Kd 18 nM and inhibited VEGF-dependent angiogenic invasion in Matrigel plug assay.